In an effort to minimize the spread of avian influenza, the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced an intrastate testing requirement for lactating dairy cattle participating in livestock exhibitions in Illinois. While Illinois currently has no reported cases of H5N1 in dairy cattle, 12 states have confirmed cases. Testing requirements apply to lactating dairy cattle being exhibited at county fairs, the Illinois State Fair, the Du Quoin State Fair and any other livestock exhibition held in Illinois.
